A view of a church reflected in a shop window in Munich.

Shopping

Shopper's paradise: a stroll through the inner city

An extensive shopping spree is a mandatory part of an enjoyable city trip. Munich offers heavenly conditions to relish in a divine shopping frenzy – while being enveloped in an architectural ambience which is out of this world.

The first port of call for most shoppers is the central pedestrian zone in the Altstadt (Old Town) district (Kaufingerstrasse, Neuhauser Strasse, Marienplatz). Here, you can explore the many major department stores, saunter through branches of the top fashion and footwear chains and pop into a few souvenir shops on the way.

From its beginnings as a brave experiment in 1972, the pedestrian area – the first of its kind in Germany – has become an integral part of Munich. These days almost the entire Altstadt has been pedestrianised as a shopping area. It's hard to believe that at one time, lines of long-distance traffic wound their way through the gates of the city across the Marienplatz!

As early as the Middle Ages, passages known as "Durchhäuser" were used to link different streets through open alleys. Some of these passages later became popular shopping arcades and courtyards:

in the Fünf Höfe shopping arcade in Theatinerstrasse, hanging gardens, beautifully designed inner courtyards and an immense, suspended sphere created by sculptor Ólafur Elíasson invite shoppers to enjoy a truly sensory experience. The arcade houses elegant designer stores as well as a number of cafés and offices.

If you’ve still got time to spare after your shopping trip, why not visit one of the renowned international touring exhibitions at the Kunsthalle art museum. The complex was designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron.

The Schäfflerhof complex showcases the brick cladding style that is so typical of the architecture in Munich. Swiss architect Ivano Gianola intentionally selected this same material to build a bridge to the neighbouring Gothic Frauenkirche. From international fashion and elegant accessories to creative interior design ideas, all your wildest shopping dreams are sure to come true here.

The Hofstatt, which opened in 2013, quickly became the heart and soul of the surrounding district. On the former site of the offices of the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Swiss architect Marcel Meili created a stylish shopping arcade with peaceful courtyards, combining protected historic structures with modern elements. Here, too, you will find a range of sophisticated fashion, furnishing and lifestyle shops.

In the 19th century, King Maximilian II commissioned his architect Georg Friedrich Bürklein to create what is now Maximilianstrasse in the unique “Maximilian style”. Today, it is primarily international luxury fashion and jewellery labels that line this magnificent shopping street.

The Brienner Quartier in Brienner Strasse also reflects the elegance of a high-class shopping culture in its classical buildings. During the Prince Regent period, a number of exquisite shops were established directly beside the Residenz palace, some of which are still family-owned today. Why not take a gentle stroll through the area and experience the unique blend of the traditional and the modern for yourself?

 

 

Text: München Tourismus; Illustration: Julia Pfaller; Photos: Josef Wildgruber, Werner Böhm
In the traditional dress store Gottseidank in Munich, a woman is tying the apron of another woman who is wearing a dirndl.

Buy traditional dress

Vintage Dirndls and Hirschlederhosen

From Second-hand to a traditional store – we made our way through Munich's selection of traditional dress. 

Second-hand, a local label, a traditional store and a hire service – we made our way through Munich's selection of traditional dress.

A man tries on a brown traditional leather shoe

Traditional accessories

Haferl shoes and Dirndl bags

We visited some traditional shops and young designers in Munich to explore their traditional costume accessories.

It's not just dirndls and lederhosen: We visited some traditional shops and young designers to explore their traditional accessories.

Questionnaire: Rahmée Wetterich

Best place if longing for Italy, Mrs. Wetterich?

The fashion designer Rahmée Wetterich in our questionnaire.

The fashion designer Rahmée Wetterich her sister run the "Noh Nee" label, tailoring clothes that combine both Bavarian and African influences.

Flowerbed at Gärtnerplatz in Munich.

Shopping

Around the Gärtnerplatz

Shopping far from the major department stores: at Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbachviertel individuality counts. A shopping tour.     

Shopping far from the major department stores: at Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbachviertel individuality counts. A shopping tour.     

A view of a church reflected in a shop window in Munich.

Shopping guide

Shopper's paradise

Shopping in an architecturally impressive atmosphere: a stroll through the inner city of Munich.

Shopping in an architecturally impressive atmosphere: a stroll through the inner city of Munich.

Pedestrian zone in Munich with one of the two towers of the Frauenkirche in Munich.

Department stores

Everything under one roof

Anyone who wants to explore Munich's long-established department stores starts the shopping tour in the city centre.

Oberpollinger, Ludwig Beck or Konen – anyone who wants to explore Munich's long-established department stores starts the shopping tour at Karlsplatz-Stachus or Marienplatz.

Panoramic view of the Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz.
Christmas Market Tour

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Book now for 30 €!

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".
Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Merchant with dried fruit on the Viktualienmarkt in Munich.
Viktualienmarkt Tasting Tour

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Book now for 40 €!

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting historical facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Three copies of the official Munich city guide are slightly stacked on top of each other so that the image of the Frauenkirche remains visible on each one.
Official Munich City Guide

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides - from sights to hidden highlights. Order now free of shipping costs!  a

Order now for 8,90€ incl. shipping!

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides.

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides - from sights to hidden highlights. Order now free of shipping costs!

View of a residence serenade with candles in the court chapel.
Residenz Serenades

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Book now from 38 €

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Exterior view of the Munich Palace of Justice on Prielmayerstraße in Maxvorstadt.
Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for 20 €!

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich
New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 22 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.
Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich
Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.
Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now!

Street Art-Tour

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

Experience the city's diverse art & exciting graffiti on our street art tour!

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

View of the Salzach river and the castle in Salzburg.
Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Book now from 58 €

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Order now!

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich
Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

3 days from 313 € for 2 Pers.

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

Bag on green background
Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.